Which test is used to identify H. pylori infection?

The urea breath test is specifically designed to identify an H. pylori infection effectively by measuring the presence of urease enzymes produced by the bacteria. During this test, the patient ingests a substance containing urea. If H. pylori is present in the stomach, it will metabolize the urea and produce carbon dioxide that is labeled with a specific isotope. This labeled carbon dioxide is then exhaled and can be measured, indicating an active infection.

While blood tests can check for antibodies to H. pylori, they are less definitive since antibodies may persist even after the infection has resolved. Stool tests can also detect H. pylori antigens and are useful, but the urea breath test is often preferred for its specific direct measurement of active infection status. Endoscopy, while it can visually confirm the presence of H. pylori and allow for biopsy sampling, is more invasive and not typically the first-line test for initial diagnosis. Therefore, the urea breath test stands out for its non-invasive nature and its reliability in diagnosing H. pylori infections.